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#erotic #thriller

Blurb

The greatest love stories begin with blood…

There is blood. There is pain. And there is him. These are the first things I register when I wake up, the lone survivor in an Alaskan plane crash. He carries me to safety over rough terrain and brings me to his cabin in the woods. He has no name. Or none he will tell me.

As snow creeps across the harsh and isolated landscape, he is my only company. My protector, my caretaker. A fascinating enigma, with mysterious eyes, gentle hands, and a rough voice that demands more from me than I ever expected to give. I make up different stories, different names for him depending on his mood, because I know nothing about him except that he is my only connection to the real world I want to return to. So I work to please him, plotting my escape, yet all while I start to crave him and every touch of his dominating body.

He has saved me from the cold. From death. But in taking me and my body, will he destroy me?

My Review – 5 stars

An Addictive Dark Erotic Thriller

Where to start? Crash, by Drew Jordan is one hell of a dark and thrilling read! I must warn you that it does end on a cliff hanger (an ending I did not see coming), but the good news is that the remaining books in the series have both been released. If you do choose to read this you will not have to wait for the sequels!

Lainey is the sole survivor of a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness and it is fortunate for her that she is rescued. Her saviour is a reclusive wilderness man who refuses to let her know his name or identity. The ‘Stranger’ is, despite his ripped body and good looks, quite terrifying. Moreover he has been without a woman for a long time and he has few social skills…

As Lainey recovers she becomes more and more attracted to him, despite her fear, and the inevitable happens. There are some sizzling no holds barred scenes between them in which the the ‘Stranger’ shows just how dominant he is, illustrated by the following quote:

“Just do what I say. Always. And everything will be fine.”

Due to her injuries and the isolation of his cabin, Lainey is reliant on him for her basic needs and their relationship is one of control and dependence. Their relationship is therefore far from what could be described as normal. The ‘Stranger’ clearly has the upper hand in a big way ( a number of scenes make his this very explicit) and Lainey, although she comes to enjoy his touch, fears that she will never escape.

As the story is narrated in the first person POV, by Lainey, the ‘Stranger’ is an enigma to the reader just as he is to Lainey. The reader can only surmise what dark deeds he may have committed in the past and what has led him to lead an isolated existence for so long. We learn little about Lainey, other than that she is a young woman striving to take control of her life. The focus of the story is mainly on the couple’s relationship.

I read a lot of dark romances and there are some extremely twisted elements to this book. The ending blew my mind! I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series to find out where Lainey and ‘Stranger’s’ extremely unorthodox story goes.

A Romantic Suspense Novella

Blurb

Secrets, danger and an enigmatic stranger, a twentieth century mystery romance. Is Bea’s life more at risk than her disobedient heart? SILENCE OF A STRANGER Her car broken down, Bea Russell goes for help and walks straight into hell. Three armed men and no answers. Held captive, strip searched, her dignity in shreds, Bea is horrified when she responds to the attraction of the man who grabbed her out of the dark. Who is the fugitive Rad? Escaped rapist or spy? No one will talk. Yet Bea is forced to share the danger, fleeing across rough fields in the deep night hours. At a deserted house by the sea, she looks fate in the eye. One wrong move could change her life forever.

My Review

Captivating Romantic Suspense! *****

I loved this read, which hooked from the very start! The heroine Bea, fleeing her cheating ex, inadvertently seeks help from three armed and apparently dangerous men doing their utmost to avoid all contact with others. At first she is treated with violence and suspicion and strip searched. Even when deemed no immediate threat, she becomes their captive, as the men fear that to release her will compromise their location. The narrative is gripping and full of danger, mystery and suspense and I loved the romantic element.

As the novella progressed and the tension between Bea and her captors developed, my mind like that if the heroine was full of questions: Who are these men? Who is the dark, attractive and brooding Rad with whom she develops a mutual attraction? Are they escaped criminals? Is the truth something even more complex?

The key elements of both the suspense and romance are excellent and the plot had me guessing throughout. Bea is told nothing by her captors, a terrifying situation. I really admired her spunk as she stands up to them and when it is clear that she cannot easily escape she tries to make the best of a situation which becomes more and more dangerous. She nevertheless goes through the whole gamut of emotions: fear, apprehension, anger, frustration and resignation and most unexpected and disconcerting of all, growing desire for Rad, one of her captors.

Bea desperately tries to come to terms with her feelings for Rad, a character who becomes more mysterious and complex the more she gets to know him. I particularly liked how the author showed the growing sexual tension between the couple. Is Rad the criminal she fears and what if any future could she have with a man who harbours so many secrets and who blows hot and cold?

This read contains some violence and sexual situations, but overall the romantic elements are sweet. I recommend it to readers of romance and romantic suspense who are after a captivating read.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Erotic Romance (18+/Adult Read)

Tiara’s Golden Submission

(m/f BDSM)

Book Blurb

On the cusp of turning fifty, Tiara, a submissive without a Dom or husband, desired to return to the lifestyle. Placing her destiny in the hands of Madame Eve and the 1Night Stand Service, will Tiara find all that she seeks? Or will a past love interfere with her future plans?

Review

Inspirational and Fun BDSM Romance ****

This novella from Evilise Archer is a sizzling BDSM themed romance, which illustrates that age is certainly no barrier when it comes to finding love. This inspirational tale focuses on Tiara, a widow who is approaching her 50th birthday, who decides that she wants to get back into the BDSM scene, which she belonged to with her deceased husband. She books herself on Madame Eve’s 1 Night Stand Service and her adventure begins as she prepares to spend the night in an exclusive BDSM club with a mystery lover!

I loved the premise of this read from the off and liked how the plot developed. The scenes inside the club between Tiara and her mystery Dominant are steamy and inventive and she embraces her submission and finds sexual fulfilment in the hands of a very skilled Dom. Will Tiara be happy with her submission alone or will she and her mystery lover seek a more permanent future for themselves? I will not say anymore but suffice to say that this is a fun, heart warming read which sizzles. Recommended for readers of erotic romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review

Veiled Dominance (Club Rebellion book #2)

(m/m Erotic Romance)

Blurb

Shane Wise is a Dom and part owner of a popular BDSM club in Rittenhouse Square, Club Rebellion. A tumultuous past has led him to an almost perfect present, except Shane has a secret. A secret that could destroy his reputation in the world in which he loves to live-BDSM.

Deacon Archer is also a Dom and part owner of Club Rebellion and he is in love with Shane Wise. Together Shane and Deacon must decide if the love they feel can withstand the scrutiny they fear, if their relationship is revealed.

Can two dominants truly forge a relationship? Will secret desires open up a new world and allow Shane to be the man he was intended to be or will veiled dominance get in the way?

Review

Love Will Out! *****

This is an excellent m/m read and although it is the second novella in the Club Rebellion series, it works perfectly well as a stand alone as it focuses on the relationship between the couple Shane and Deacon. That said my interest in the other characters was also piqued!

Shane and Deacon are both established Dominants at Club Rebellion, an exclusive BDSM club. They are very much in love and cannot keep their hands off each other (cue some extremely hot and frequent love-making scenes)! They have kept their relationship a secret as Shane does not want his friends and colleagues at the club to know that he enjoys playing the submissive role in his relationship with Dylan. He is also tortured by events from his past. The secrecy is eating away at him and preventing his loving relationship with Deacon going to the next level. Something has to give and Shane needs to decide whether to open up to his friends and lover.

This is a heart felt story of love, passion and friendship set in a close knit BDSM community. Shane and Deacon’s hopes and fears are very believable and I was invested in their HEA. There is also a fascinating cast of supporting characters.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review

Dark, Erotic Romance

18+/Adult Read

When I was given the opportunity to review an ARC of Skye Warren’s latest release I jumped at the chance as the author is one of my favourites when it comes to reading dark erotic romances! Love The Way You Lie is another fab addition to her collection of addictive reads featuring dark twisted alpha men and the strong yet fragile women who fall for each other, often in the direst of circumstances. Scroll down to read my review, some teasers and enter the giveaway for the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card! You can also read an interview with Skye. Tina 🙂

LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE

A dark romance about the lies that lead us down…

I’ll do anything to get safe, even if that means working at the scariest club in town.

I’ll do anything to stay hidden, even if it means taking off my clothes for strangers.

I’ll do anything to be free. Except give him up. When he looks at me, I forget why I can’t have him. He’s beautiful and scarred. His body fits mine, filling the places where I’m hollow, rough where I am soft.

He’s the one man who wants to help, but he has his own agenda. He has questions I can’t answer. What are you afraid of?

My Review

Dark, Edgy and Suspenseful * * * * *

Wow! I found Love the Way You Lie to be a dark, edgy and suspenseful romance. It’s also addictive, sexy and downright dirty (in the best possible way)! It’s the first in a new series, Stripped, by Skye Warren and after reading it I cannot wait to find out what is in store for the couples who will no doubt feature in future books.

In the novel, Honey, the heroine, is hiding from her past by working in a strip club. She is a low ebb, but at least she feels relatively safe from the monsters she has escaped. As soon as the mysterious Kip appears she knows that he is trouble as he asks too many questions, yet she cannot stop getting in too deep with him, a man who appears to care yet at the same time tells her that he is dangerous….

Honey is a strong yet fragile woman and I was rooting for her from the off. Kip comes across as gorgeous but deadly and throughout I wondered if he would be a threat or a saviour. The attraction between them sizzles and the lovemaking scenes are hot, dirty and sexy and I loved them!

The read is a rollercoaster ride as we gradually learn about Honey’s past and what has led her to her work as a stripper. Nothing is straightforward and I was on pins throughout wanting to know what Kip’s motives were when it came to Honey. Secrets and lies are the names of the game in this novel and the pace never seems to slow but just increases in intensity as the plot unravels. I will not say anymore other than if you love dark erotic romances you will adore devouring this book!

The read also introduces us to a number of other characters: Clara, Honey’s sister who is the heroine in Tough Love, the prequel to this series and Blue and Lola, whose romance will feature in book #2. Please note that it is not necessary to have read the prequel before reading this novel, which is a stand alone, but it looks like a damn good read and you can currently get hold of it for free from most online vendors (links below).

Reviewed by Tina Williams

An ARC of this novel was given to me by the author for a fair and honest review.

AUTHOR BIO:

Skye Warren is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of dark romantic fiction. Her books are raw, sexual and perversely romantic.

1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us what kind of books you write?

I’m Skye Warren, the New York Times bestselling author of dark romance! Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my new release, Love the Way You Lie. It explores taboo themes like betrayal and redemption, overlayed with suspense. If you’re up for something dangerous, disturbing and erotic, take a look…

2. What is Love the Way You Lie About?

Love the Way You Lie has a stripper heroine and a mysterious lone biker who is first her customer, then her lover, then her… well, you’ll have to read to find out. What you should know is that the book is dark, edgy, and sexy as hell.

This is the first book in a new series set in a strip club called The Grand.

3. Who is your favorite character in the book?

I love my heroes—their gruffness, their pain, their occasional cruelty. But I have a real soft spot for my heroines. So I would have to say I loved Honey the most. She is beaten down but determined, bent but not broken. For me that’s what strength is about.

4. What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Nothing and everything. I love the actual writing, coming up with a story and falling in love with them. But reader expectation is such a tough thing—it’s tough in any genre but has particular challenges for dark books. Even the word dark means different things to different readers. But ultimately I can only write the books I love and hope that my readers enjoy them.

5. What do you love about alpha heroes? Or anti-heroes, if that applies?

Why are these anti-heroes so damn appealing? Well, for one thing, they are tough and driven. They don’t take crap from anyone…even the heroine, sometimes. They often do follow their own code of honor, it just doesn’t necessarily match everyone else’s. But I think it’s something more elemental than that. A man who takes what he wants, damn the rules? Well…it’s plain sexy.

6. What makes a sex scene sexy to you? Or alternately, what do you do to write hot scenes?

I love a scene I can get lost in, both the physical sensations and the emotional resonance. And what I find most sexy is when power comes into play. Not with games, but where one side has the upper hand, the mingling of distrust and desire, of wariness and want.

7. What else should readers know about Love the Way You Lie?

There’s also a free prequel to the series coming. The best way to stay up to date about my releases is my newsletter here:

This novel ends in a cliffhanger and is for a mature audience due to harsh language and descriptive sexual scenes.

Concealment by Scarlet Wolfe

Blog Tour

Hosted by Everything Marie Tours

Book Description

Publication Date: January 23, 2015

Victoria Hart is supposed to be the enemy. She is an undercover detective who infiltrated my hotel and casino as an employee to take down my illegal enterprise. What she doesn’t know is I am fully aware of it. The operation I’m orchestrating is monumental compared to anything her mind could envision.It’s the burning desire I feel when she’s near that I didn’t see coming. An unwavering draw to touch her, and the need to break down her walls is testing my restraint; however, nothing can stand in the way of my ultimate goal. She could destroy everything my brothers and I have worked toward to avenge our father’s death.To keep the upper hand, it is vital to know your enemy. How deeply can I go, peeling back her intriguing layers while still concealing the truth? How much of Victoria can I claim before she’s too close … too close for me to let her go? This novel ends in a cliffhanger and is for a mature audience due to harsh language and descriptive sexual scenes.

Purchase Links

Excerpt

“I’m Adrian Cassano, the owner of this hotel and casino. I was quite impressed with your moves, Ms. Victoria Stuart,” I say with a smirk.

“It’s Vicky, sir, and how did you see that already? I mean–thank you.”

“Can you explain what transpired?”

“He grabbed my ass, which I would’ve excused, but he refused to move his hand afterward, so I had to do it for him.”

I eye her intently. That wasn’t exactly the response I expected. “So, you’re OK with random men grabbing your ass?”

She scowls. “No, but for the sake of my job, I was willing to let it slide once.” She’s giving me attitude, and damn, she’s gorgeous. This will be more enjoyable than I anticipated.

“I see.” Staring into her striking, green eyes for several seconds, I find she’s determined to hold my gaze.

“I think it would be best to move you to an environment where the cliental will not be touching you without your permission. Although the asshole deserved it, I don’t need a lawsuit, and he would not be the last to grab your ass.”

She continues to scowl. At least her attitude suits her day job. Yes, I believe I’m going to enjoy every second of my time with Victoria. She will be easy to torment since she likely feels she has to keep her mouth shut around me. I have a suspicion that is not something she’s used to doing. I’m sure she doesn’t want to lose this job and blow her case. The investigation I’m fully aware of.

Excerpt #2

Victoria’s POV:

Reaching down, I zip up my black thigh high boot. I’d never tell my detective partner, Reggie, but I feel badass and sexy as the zipper tightens the shiny, black patent leather against my toned leg.

“It appears his mother, Denise, has been in and out of mental facilities his entire life,” I say. “His father, Alvin Cassano, died in the Twin Towers during 9/11. Adrian, his three brothers, and one sister were left with a hefty insurance policy, and he enlisted in the Marines after.”

“Seriously? What is your deal over this job?” I ask as I zip up my second boot.

“Have you forgotten we’re partners? I can’t be in there with you, and it’s making me crazy.”

“I’m a cop. I earned this detective job because of my ability since they sure as hell don’t give it to women otherwise. I can take care of myself.”

He slides his hand through his curly, dark hair. “That’s what worries me. You think you’re invincible.”

Meet the Cast

About the Author

Scarlet Wolfe began writing in January of 2013 as a way to distract and heal from some of the grief she was dealing with after the death of her teenage son. She instantly fell in love with bringing characters to life. Releasing contemporary romance throughout 2013, she has branched out this year, releasing erotica and teen.When not writing, Scarlet enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves coffee, chocolate, wine, stories about possessive, hot alpha males, and other flavors of ice cream besides vanilla. She hopes her writing will encourage readers to feel more comfortable exploring their sexuality.

Contact Scarlet Wolfe

My Review *****

Sexy and Suspenseful

Wow, what a sexy read! No one is what they appear to be in this fast-paced erotic romantic suspense: secrets are commonplace; passion sizzles and the stakes are high.

The heroine Victoria, a Police Officer, gets a job as a server at the Cassano hotel and casino. Her aim is to find evidence of criminal activity which she suspects plays a major role in the brothers’ business empire. What she didn’t bank on was being singled out by the boss, the sexy Adrian, and finding herself falling for him.

I just lurved the relationship between this couple! Adrian, an uber alpha male, breaks all the rules to seduce her, at first kidding himself that it is good practice to keep his enemy close, but then finding that he is developing ever stronger feelings for her as he gets to know her. He is wildly attracted to Victoria’s beauty, brains and bravado and wants to keep her safe. Adrian is torn between wanting to protect his family business and wanting to possess Victoria body and soul, the very woman who represents a significant threat to his activities.

Yet how far can a relationship go between a cop and a man who she suspects is part of an extensive crime ring? The scenes between Adrian and Victoria positively sizzle off the page and they are well matched and believable. The supporting characters too are all well-defined and I am looking forward o finding out more about them as the series progresses, especially the other Cassano brothers who also ooze major smex appeal!

When we first meet Victoria I was not sure that I would find her a likable heroine as she comes over as very kick ass. However, a few more pages into the story and I began to find out more about her realising that she hides a lot behind her hard exterior and that there is a lot more to her. Adrian in particular plays a key role in stripping her of her armour as he is keen to find the true woman underneath. He is fully aware that she is a cop and wonders if and when she will admit this fact to him. Victoria is attracted to Adrian unlike any other man yet can she trust him and is he the criminal she believed him to be?

The book ends in a cliff-hanger, which left me itching to read the next instalment. I recommend Concealment to readers who enjoy a sexy and suspenseful adult read with a drop-dead gorgeous alpha male who is torn between the girl of his dreams and the high stake activities of his family business.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

Katie’s world came crashing down in an instant. Her husband, daughter, and unborn baby. . . all gone in a flash. The life that she’d come to know, gone before she ever really got to live it. With a broken heart, she deals the only way she knows how, by shutting it all off. No communicating, no feelings, just pure nothingness. Alone with nothing but her own thoughts and a well meaning family, she moves back to her childhood home, a horse farm. It’s there that she finds herself healing along with the horses her family rehabilitates. But when Parker McKenzie comes back into her life she’s reminded of all that went wrong, and all that she lost. Will Katie ever begin to heal? Or will her secrets and loss be too much for her to overcome? Perhaps, this is her kismet.

Excerpt

Turning the corner from the hallway into the kitchen, I find my family talking to someone. It doesn’t matter that his back is turned to me because I would recognize that frame anywhere. Frozen in my space in the doorway, my breath hitches and my heart jumps to my throat, causing me to choke. I know without a doubt that the person standing there is Tommy’s lifelong best friend, Parker McKenzie.

“Hey, sis, look who came by to say hi!” Tommy smiles. It’s not a genuine smile, it’s his smug smile—the one he uses when he’s done something sneaky. In an instant, I know, without a doubt, that he’s done this on purpose and I want nothing more than to punch him in the face for it. I consider jumping across the kitchen and grabbing him by the throat, but I decide that the action would be too full of emotion. So instead I stew on my anger, filing it deep down within me for some other time.

Parker turns his attention toward me, looking over his shoulder in my direction. The minute his eyes catch mine my heart stops beating. I wasn’t ready to see him. Not yet, probably not ever in fact. He’s already smiling, the same earth shattering grin that I’ve seen a million times before. He looks just likeI remember him, only older. He was a kid the last time I saw him, but now that boy had turned into a man, a five o’clock shadow in place of his previous baby face.

“Hey, Katie.” He stands from the kitchen table and with two easy strides he’s hugging me, his arms enveloping me just as though no time has passed.

My own arms hang at my sides, my heart palpating from the sudden contact. My breath hitches with unease. If I could claw at my skin, I would, but my arms are still pinned to my sides, Parker holding them firmly into place. I watch helplessly as Tommy taps him on the back, indicating that it’s too much.

Suddenly realizing that he’s made a mistake he mutters, “Sorry,” and he lets me go. I close my eyes and rub my arms, attempting to cleanse my skin from his touch. It isn’t right. It isn’t fair. That hug wasn’t his to take.

Seething, I look up at him. I know Parker means well, he always means well, but he never did have much sense when it came to personal boundaries. And what was he sorry for? Sorry for hugging me? Sorry for my loss? Sorry for coming here? He should be sorry, sorry for it all. I fight the urge to reach out and slap him for being such an inconsiderate bastard. But I don’t.

I fume silently to myself. He has no right to show up here today, let alone be the first one to touch me like that. My own family haven’t felt comfortable enough to hug me yet. The most contact I’ve had is holding Tommy’s hand, and he’s my brother.

The room fills with uncomfortable silence. I know that everyone is waiting to see my next move, but there won’t be one. I refuse to react.

Contemporary Romance Cover Reveal

A BIG welcome today to Beckie Stevenson’s forthcoming release Noah and Me! Check out the super cover and read an excerpt (it’s one of the most intriguing excerpts I have read this year!) There is also a super giveaway where you could win an ARC of the book. Tina 🙂

RELEASE DATE: 15th December 2014

“So you fix broken hearts, do you?” I ask. “Seems a little ironic.”

Noah Carter is one of the best cardiothoracic doctors in the country. He’s incredibly intelligent, funny, kind and he’s a beast in the bedroom. He has scars that drizzle down his chest and painful memories of an unforgettable night that plague his every waking hour.

Seven years ago, Noah stumbled upon me at the side of a grave and saved me in one of the most compassionate ways another human being can save another. I will always love him for that. Always.

He loved me in a way that no man has ever loved me since, and I gave him everything. I gave him it all until my secrets and lies tore us apart, forcing me to shatter his heart into a thousand little pieces.

Seven years ago he loved me, but now he hates me. And I hate that he hates me. Leaving Noah is my biggest regret in life – and I have a lot of things that I regret. A lot.

I glance around the corner of the small building and spot a woman who isn’t dressed like a smart teacher. She’s wearing white stilettoes and a tiny little black dress that just about coversher backside. Her breasts, which are definitely fake, protrude out from the scoop neckline of the dress. Her chocolate-coloured hair is poker straight and falls to her shoulder blades. I hear her giggling. I see her hand shoot out to touch a glistening, tanned and extremely toned forearm.

“That’s Candy,” whispers Ben.

“What does she do?” I ask. She arches her back and pushes her breasts out even further than they were before.

“She’s a Lawyer,” he tells me. “They call her the black widow.”

I glance at Ben and realise he’s not joking. I look back at Candy and hear her giggle again, watching as she flicks her hair over her shoulder. “Does she eat men after she’s slept with them?”

“No,” he says, shaking his head. “She eats them after she’s done with them in court instead.”

More like she hypnotises them with her breasts and hair flicking, I think. “I see,” I say.

“Her tongue is evil,” he says before adding, “and not in a good way.”

I grin at him.

“Anyway,” he says, pulling on my elbow, “we should go and say hello to the birthday boy.”

I take a step forward and then the earth stops moving as all of the blood in my body rushes to my ears. I can hear the beat of my own heart as it bangs against my chest. The birthday boy’s blue eyes collide with mine and they’re slowly turning to hard stone in front of me. He steps away from the wall, roughly pushing Candy off him, and marches towards me.

I can’t take my eyes off him. How can someone who is beyond beautiful look so ugly at the same time? His light brown hair is styled perfectly on his head as if he’s just got out of bed. Or maybe he has, if Candy’s performance was anything to go by. His pale, crystal-blue eyes display nothing of the thoughts that I have no doubt are obviously running through his mind. He’s wearing a dark grey shirt and black trousers. Even with his clothes on, I can tell that there’s a wall of pure muscle hiding underneath them. I see a faint smattering of chest hair poking out from the top of his shirt where his top button is undone. His face is tanned and freshly shaven.

“You!” he says, his deep voice wrapping around me like a warm blanket. His gaze shifts to my neck like lightning. His eyes linger for a fraction of a second on my necklace and I see a hint of astonishment flash across his face. Then it’s gone, replaced by the cold, screwed-up face that he had before.

I open my mouth but nothing comes out. Every single hair on my skin stands on end as his angry breath washes over my face. Air leaves my lungs and doesn’t come back in. How the fuck is he here? Of all the places in the entire world, how is he here?

I finally realise he’s still towering over me, looking as if he wants to strangle me. I take a deep breath. I can’t do this.

“Erm, do you two know each other?” asks Ben.

Ignoring Ben, I continue to stare at him. He stares at me. What could we possibly say to each other that would make any of it okay? I can’t be here. I can’t be near him. I need to leave.

“No,” he hisses, as his eyes trail all over me.

Liar.

“I don’t know who this girl is,” he says.

I know it’s wrong to feel hurt that he called me a girl, but I do. I don’t want him looking at me like that either. Not when I feel so shitty about what I’m wearing. I wish I could cover myself up, but I don’t have enough clothes on to even start.

Ben blinks, looking confused. “Noah, this is Ariel. Ariel, this is the birthday boy, Noah.”

This isn’t Noah. This is a stranger that doesn’t know me anymore.

“I’m going,” I announce, tearing my gaze away from Noah. I look at Ben and feel myself beginning to panic. “Erm, I have to go.”

“You have to?” Ben questions.

I nod quickly and start to back away from them. “I have to go. Right now. I have a horrible headache. Here,” I say, pushing my glass into Ben’s hand, “take this. And I’m sorry.”

“Ariel,” Ben calls as I turn to leave.

“Let her go,” Noah says. “She wasn’t invited and she’s not welcome.”

AUTHOR BIO:

Beckie’s real name is Rebecca, but she get’s called (and answers to) any of the following…Beckie, Bek, Becca, Rebecca, Pip, Pippy or Stevo. Beckie is the author of ‘Sorrow Woods,’ the ‘Existing’ series and ‘Noah and Me.’

She is due to publish more YA and NA novels in 2015/16.

She lives in Staffordshire, England, with her partner and two children. Beckie likes putting music on in the house and dancing around like a mad woman. When she isn’t playing with her children, doing housework, dancing around the house like a mad woman, walking, cycling reading or writing, then she can be found working in an investment bank. Or sleeping.